Avoid shearing shrubs into tight geometrical forms unless they need to be confined.

Young trees deformed by wind may be corrected by pruning. Move the tree’s center of gravity to a point more central over the trunk by cutting back the leader and laterals on the downwind side (or direction of lean) to more upright branches. Caution: When pruning diseased trees, dip your shears in. Pruning changes the form and growth of a plant.

Pruning can also be considered preventive maintenance for both insect and disease damage. Many problems may be prevented by pruning correctly during the formative years for a tree or shrub. The late dormant season is the best time for most pruning.

Avoid heavy pruning which stimulates watersprout growth.

Mar 03, Summer pruning should be limited to removing the upright and vigorous current season's growth using thinning cuts. Summer pruning can be started as soon as buds begin to grow, though it’s usually best to wait until new growth is several inches long.

This is particularly true with young trees, which are more easily damaged by late cold bushfelling.barted Reading Time: 5 mins.